Why We’re Thankful: Part One

Posted on November 23, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Someone once said that it is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy. In that spirit, we are asking our employees what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving week. We will feature three of their responses before Thanksgiving. Here’s the first one.

When we asked Salt Creek Banking Center Branch Manager Sarah Young what she’s thankful for this year, she sighed and asked a great question. “Where do I start?”

“I am grateful for my healthy little child, my family, my job, for my health, my friends…I could go on and on,” Young exclaimed. And then she did, explaining that she is even grateful for her German Shepherd Schnelle.

Salt Creek Banking Center Branch Manager Sarah Young is pictured this fall with her loves: Ben Lingo, their daughter Kinsley and her dog Schnelle.

An Ohio University graduate and McArthur resident, Young began her career with VCNB two years ago as a Retail Account Representative at the Ross County Banking Center in Chillicothe. She transferred to Salt Creek in April, taking over as Branch Manager.

While she is thankful for this new position and opportunity with VCNB, she is clearly most thankful for her little girl, a ten month old fire cracker named Kinsley who makes Young’s eyes light up.

“She is so wild. She’s very loving and cuddly. She’s outspoken even though she can’t say anything yet. She can’t walk but she can climb. She loves to climb everything,” Young explained.

This Thanksgiving will be special for Young’s family as it is Kinsley’s first Thanksgiving. “I am super excited for her first Thanksgiving. She’s at the age where she can try different foods so she will get her own little plate,” Young exclaimed.

“She’s what I’m most grateful for.”

Have You Met Our Lancaster Staff?

Posted on November 20, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Have you met our staff at the Friendly Bremen Banking Center on E. Main Street in Lancaster? We have a great crew at this office and they love to meet our customers. Stop by and say hello today!

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This office is located at 521 E. Main Street in Lancaster. Visit the office or call them at 740.687.3939.

Customer Perspective: Apple Pay™

Posted on November 17, 2015 by vcnbfamily

There has been a lot of buzz about Apple Pay™ here at VCNB since we became a participating bank. We thought you might like to hear some of the things our customers are saying.

Security is King
In this day and age where data and identity theft are on the rise, the security and privacy that come with Apple Pay are difficult to rival. Your card number is never stored on your device and when you pay, your card number is never sent to the merchant. Instead, Apple Pay assigns a unique number for each purchase so your payments truly stay private and secure. This means the merchant has no access to your information and there is no risk of your card being skimmed during the transaction.

Customers who use Apple Pay say they appreciate this advanced security!

Easy as Pie
It’s convenient and easy! Simply hold your phone near the reader and the machine recognizes how you want to pay. There’s no app to open or hoops to jump through.

Life in the Fast Lane
One customer argues that it’s a faster way to pay. In addition to processing as fast or faster than a typical card transaction, he said that it is quicker than pulling his wallet from his pocket and finding the right card. After all, an iPhone user typically has their phone at their fingertips! That means you can be checked out and on your way faster, leaving more time for what you really want to do.

To use Apple Pay, you need to have iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, or Apple Watch 5 or 6 running on iOS 8.1 or later for contactless and in-app payments. You can use iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 for in-app payments only. Apple allows up to eight cards on a device – not that you’ll need any more than your VCNB debit and credit cards! Click here to learn more about participating merchants and how to get started.

Think Outside The (Gift) Box

Posted on November 12, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Some of the best gifts don’t fit in a bag or a box. Consider giving loved ones experiences, home repairs or other things they will appreciate but that don’t come from the mall!

We’ve been talking a lot about Christmas lately. Holiday shopping with your VCNB Rewards Checking and Platinum Visa® card and how to save with a Christmas Club have been at the top of our minds. But the truth is, a lot of us here at VCNB have been discussing gift giving as well. More to the point, we are all worried and asking the same question. What on Earth are we going to buy our loved ones?

It’s a wonderful problem to have but it seems like everyone we know already owns too much stuff. So many parents complain because their kids have too many toys and nowhere to put more. Adults often don’t need or want very much either.

While we want to give our loved ones a special holiday, we often waste money on the wrong things.

Make no mistake: we don’t advocate skipping Christmas or gift giving. However, if you’re in the position that we just described, buying stuff for the sake of buying stuff, this may be a good time to reconsider your habits and think outside the (gift) box.

In the interest of keeping gifts useful and cutting down on clutter, consider giving experiences rather than things. A zoo or YMCA membership, sports or concert tickets, movie passes, a manicure or a spa day will make the recipient think fondly of you while they’re having fun.

Experience gifts are especially great for families. Rather than buy individual gifts for every person, consider sending the entire family out for an experience together. Other great family gifts might include board games, movies or a gift card for their favorite restaurant.

For young adults who are on their own for the first time, there’s an endless list of things they need or want for their apartment or new house. Consider buying them cookware, bedding, furniture or decorative items to help make their new living space feel more like home.

That elderly person who already has everything is often difficult to shop for. Instead of buying them a thing, give the gift of your time. Take them some home baked cookies with a gift card or voucher for you to take them out to lunch or have them over for a home cooked meal.

There is also a place for practical gifts that save the recipient time or money. Hire someone to deep clean their home, clear their gutters or replace their leaky kitchen faucet. Everyone appreciates a little help around the house!

Gift baskets can also be a practical gift that is presented in such a nice way that it doesn’t seem so practical. A gift basket of their favorite foods would be thoughtful and practical. Note cards, stationery and stamps would be helpful to a shut-in while a colander filled with ingredients for a nice pasta dinner may be welcomed by a busy family.

If all else fails, consider a gift in their name to their favorite charity. There are tons of good causes that would value your donation, no matter how big or small.

One other thing: we recently saw something on social media that sounded really interesting. For those who want to really trim down Christmas for their kids, buy your child something they need, something to wear, something to play with and something to read. It’s a way to still have fun and open some gifts without spending a lot or accumulating too much.

Tell us in the comments below: What are your favorite go to gifts for the most challenging people on your gift list?

Have you tried VCNB Mobile?

Posted on November 6, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Have you tried VCNB Mobile? We’ve had a mobile app for some time now but introduced a new and improved app earlier this year. We couldn’t be happier with how easy the app is to use or how customers are reacting to it.

With VCNB Mobile, you will find streamline access to your account information, literally at the tip of your fingers. Once you login, you can view account balances, transfer funds, send funds with Popmoney® Personal Payment Service and pay bills with Online Bill Pay. You can also deposit checks using mobile deposit.

No matter where you go in the world, if you have a mobile device with data or internet service, you can bank with VCNB. Popmoney to your buddy from the movie theater line, transfer funds from the breakfast table and deposit a check on a rainy Monday when you just don’t feel like going to the bank.

It’s easy, quick and convenient.

Ready to get started?

To install VCNB Mobile, visit your phone or tablet’s app store and download VCNB Mobile. When prompted, enter your online banking username and then answer the online banking security questions you set when you registered for online banking. Then enter your Online Banking password! It’s easy and quick to get started and simple to use!

Want to learn about more VCNB products and the things we can do for you? Click here to get started!

A Little Election Day History Lesson

Posted on November 3, 2015 by vcnbfamily

It’s Election Day in Ohio! Even though it is not a Presidential year, there are plenty of state issues and local races and levies seeking voter support. Do you ever wonder why elections are held on Tuesdays?

We did a little research and found a very practical explanation. The custom of weekday voting actually began in 1845 when Congress passed a law designating the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November as Election Day. Prior to that, elections were scheduled by states and were required to be held within a 34-day period prior to the first Wednesday in December.

So why did Congress choose a Tuesday in November? To understand that answer, you have to put yourselves in the shoes of a nineteenth century American. This was an overwhelmingly agrarian society, with most citizens working as farmers who lived far from their polling places. In fact, most people traveled at least a day to vote, creating a need for a two day period to travel and vote.

Weekends were impractical because most spent Sundays in church and Wednesday was market day for farmers. With this in mind Tuesday was the first and most convenient day of the week to hold elections.

Why fall? Again, late fall was better for farmers as it doesn’t interfere with the harvest but allowed voting to be done before the arrival of harsh winter weather that would make travel difficult.

The America of today is much different than that of 1845. Buggies have been replaced by cars and planes that make travel a quick and comfortable process. Early voting and absentee ballots aid voters who can’t make it to the polls on Election Day. A 24-hour culture and advanced technology have made communication quicker than ever.

Since American pioneers had to travel great distances to vote, we hope you’ll be willing to stop by your local polling place and spend some time casting your ballot today. Remember, voting is your right and every vote is important!

Small Business Spotlight: Healthy Fix Nutrition Club

Posted on October 30, 2015 by vcnbfamily

We understand that being a small business owner is tough. That’s why we plan to spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

The menu at Healthy Fix Nutrition Club is vast but the staff will happily help you find a delicious, healthy fix you will love.

Brothers Greg and Collin White held their grand opening of Healthy Fix Nutrition Club on August 15 and word has quickly been spreading about the little juice and smoothie bar on Corylus Drive. However, as the first of its kind in the Pataskala area, Healthy Fix aims to be much more than just a “juice and smoothie bar.”

The Nutrition Club is a community-based concept that aims to cultivate healthy living by developing proper nutrition and providing personal, individual support for those seeking personal improvement and an overall sense of well-being. Visitors leave feeling energized and refreshed from the unique combination of quick and easy low-calorie/high-nutrient teas and shakes and free evaluations, coaching and support

The “Frappula” is a Halloween-themed creation.

When walking into Healthy Fix for the first time, you immediately see the juice bar and an overwhelming menu full of options for breakfast, lunch or an anytime pick-me-up. Fear not, though, as the personable staff is there to quickly learn your name (if they don’t already know it) and guide you in the right direction, helping you get the delicious healthy fix you seek.Several tea flavors and well over fifty shake flavor options come from seven main categories: Vanilla, Café Latte, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, Dulce Leche, Pina Colada, and Wild Berry. If you’re brave, you can even create your own flavor combo!

The storefront features a lounge, juice bar and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a lunch break or for watching your favorite team on one of their big TVs. They even have Sunday NFL ticket for all of the football die-hards and welcome fans of any sport to come on in. Last week they housed a viewing party for a group of Columbus Crew fans.

Collin White, Kelci Rasmussen and Greg White are pictured.

What’s in the future for Healthy Fix? The plan is to expand on the Nutrition Club concept by expanding services and physical space in Pataskala. Greg and Collin are currently seeking space in which to hold free fit clubs and spa parties. Collin currently leads workouts at other locations in Muskingum County and can’t wait to get this aspect of their business model going. “This is more than just a juice and smoothie bar and we want to be able to provide more for our customers,” he explained.

So if you’re looking for a little improvement this winter or looking for an alternative to the same old thing, visit Healthy Fix Nutrition Club at 720 Corylus Drive, Pataskala. Find them on Facebook or call Greg at 740.819.7389 or Collin at 740.704.3770. Take advantage of their free fitness evaluations, free personalized health plans and free coaching and support. You can also stay motivated by participating in one of their weight-loss challenges. And after you visit, feel free to stop in and say hello to our staff at the branch of the Friendly Bremen Banking Center which is located nearly next door!

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Posted on October 30, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. In 2014, there were 12.7 million victims of identity fraud in the U.S., according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Here at VCNB we want you to keep your information and your money safe. Here are some tips to help you!

Don’t share your secrets. Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, banks statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
Protect your mobile device. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware and avoid opening links and attachments – especially for senders you don’t know.
Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

Prepare For The Holidays With A Christmas Club

Posted on October 28, 2015 by vcnbfamily

There are two types of people in this world: those who prepare for holidays well in advance and those who don’t. If you’re like millions of Americans, you probably wait until November or December to panic over what presents to buy for Christmas and how to pay for it all.

On the other hand, if you had a VCNB Christmas Club, you could be saving a little money each month and receive a nice sum in October, just in time for holiday sales. However, if holiday saving isn’t your thing you can use a Christmas Club to save for other things. There’s no rule that says you can’t save your funds for a vacation, a new car, home repairs or just for the sake of saving for the future.

A lot of folks lack the self-discipline to save regularly on their own. The beautiful thing about Christmas Club is that we automatically transfer the funds from your checking or savings account into a Christmas Club account. You can access those funds in an emergency but the $20 fee for doing so should be enough of a deterrent you won’t be tempted to withdraw funds for a silly reason.

Best of all, you decide how much you want to save each year and we do the rest. We will divide your savings goal by twenty-six and transfer that amount into your Christmas Club every two weeks throughout the year. Then in October, your funds will be direct deposited into the checking or savings account you designate.

There is no set amount for Christmas Club. We have customers who save as little as $250 a year and others who save thousands.

Ready to get started? Stop by your local branch or click here to open an account today!

Have You Met Our Ashville Staff?

Posted on October 22, 2015 by vcnbfamily

Have you met our Ashville staff? They would love to meet you! Stop by our office on Main Street in Ashville and say hello!

Jenny Rainey, Melissa Wietelmann, Danielle Robinson, Debbie Mogan, Marti Gray and Kati Maple observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Jenny Rainey, Melissa Wietelmann, Danielle Robinson, Debbie Mogan, Marti Gray and Kati Maple are decked out in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Credit Analyst Karen Householder takes a break from reviewing loan files to pose for a picture.

Teller Marti Gray works hard to provide excellent customer service in the drive-thru.

Branch Service Manager Melissa Wietelmann assists a customer with his banking needs.

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